Mistletoe, the ancient holiday healer

December 10, 2014 1:18 PM

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At holiday time, mistletoe emerges as a plant strategically placed so that those who walk under it must pause to kiss. European, African, Australian, Asian and North American in origin -- and healing in nature -- mistletoe offers both tradition and mystery.

A parasitic plant, mistletoe attaches to limbs or branches of trees, and sets up shop. Through a parasitic fungus connected to its tip, the mistletoe attaches to the host plant, and derives both moisture and nutrients required to grow. In time, mistletoe’s fungal tip penetrates the tissue of the hos...